ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of high-level meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday.
Meeting with Bangladesh’s chief adviser
Prime Minister Shehbaz met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, where the two leaders discussed Dhaka’s upcoming general elections and reforms introduced by the interim government. According to a statement shared by Yunus on X, the meeting also touched upon exploring alternatives to SAARC, which has largely remained inactive in recent years, and ways to boost regional cooperation.
Yunus conveyed condolences over the devastating floods in Pakistan that claimed more than 1,000 lives. In response, PM Shehbaz stressed the link between climate change and such natural disasters. He also extended an invitation to Professor Yunus to visit Pakistan before the interim government’s tenure concludes. National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman and senior Bangladeshi officials attended the meeting.
Engagement with Bill Gates
On the sidelines, PM Shehbaz also held a bilateral meeting with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation. The premier appreciated the Foundation’s substantial support during Pakistan’s 2025 floods, while highlighting government initiatives in economic reforms, digital transformation, and cashless systems. Both reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in health, nutrition, technology, and socio-economic development.
Talks with Sri Lanka
Shehbaz Sharif also met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Their discussions focused on trade, educational exchanges, cultural ties, and defense cooperation. The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to advancing bilateral engagement and praised the two nations’ close coordination at multilateral forums.
Deputy PM Dar’s diplomatic outreach
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar separately met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty, discussing regional security, multilateral cooperation, and efforts to further strengthen Pakistan-Egypt ties.
Dar also met Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. Both sides stressed enhancing collaboration in trade, education, climate change, and development.
In a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Dar underscored the importance of deepening Pakistan–UK relations. He highlighted the pivotal role of the Pakistani diaspora in building stronger people-to-people connections, while both sides exchanged views on global and regional issues, as well as trade and investment opportunities.
Strengthening global partnerships
The meetings highlight Islamabad’s efforts to engage actively with key partners in South Asia, Europe, and beyond. With a focus on trade, climate resilience, regional cooperation, and digital transformation, Pakistan signaled its intention to deepen bilateral ties while seeking broader multilateral collaboration on pressing global challenges.
